France vs Sweden Prediction: Les Bleus mean business in the Big Apple

France will begin their knockout path at the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday (5pm local/10pm BST, live on ITV) when they take on Sweden at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Les Bleus topped Group I with maximum points, while Sweden's place in the last 32 was booked thanks to finishing as one of the eight best third-ranked teams. Read on for my France vs Sweden predictions, as well as the latest team news and match odds.

Team News

Arsenal centre-back William Saliba was rested against Norway, reportedly due to a back problem, but he's expected to return to the starting lineup on Tuesday.

Kylian Mbappe has been electric in front of goal and seeks his fifth goal of the tournament here, supported by Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue.

Aurelien Tchouameni, who's been linked with a move away from Real Madrid this summer, and Adrien Rabiot are set to start in midfield, with Mike Maignan keeping his place between the sticks.

As for Sweden, Premier League duo Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres will spearhead the attack, supported by Newcastle United man Anthony Elanga.

Isak Hien picked up an injury against Japan last time out, so Victor Lindelof is expected to take his place in the backline.

France vs Sweden Odds

France are 2/7 to win in 90 mins, giving them an implied win probability of 77.8%, the draw is 9/2 and Sweden are 10/1.

Les Bleus are massive 1/10 favourites to win the tie, with Sweden 11/2, and both teams to score can be backed at EVENS.

France to win and over 3.5 goals @ 6/4

I'm expecting a high-scoring win for France on Tuesday. For me, they've probably been the standout team at this tournament so far and will take some stopping.

Les Bleus have scored at least three goals in all three of their group games against Senegal, Norway and Iraq and they're taking on a Sweden side that are hit-and-miss.

Graham Potter's side's campaign started with a 5-1 win over Tunisia before losing 5-1 to the Netherlands - results that illustrate the attacking qualities and defensive frailties of this team.

France should have enough to qualify for the next round, as the underlying numbers favour Didier Deschamps' men, but Sweden can make this a competitive affair.

*Click here for the latest World Cup Odds

Michael Olise to have 1+ assists  (Sub Switch) @ EVENS

The standout name on the French team sheet is undoubtedly Mbappe, but Michael Olise has proven himself as one of the finest wingers in Europe this term, enjoying a stellar season with Bayern Munich.

The former Crystal Palace man set up Mbappe in France's opening game against Senegal, and he turned provider in Les Bleus' second contest against Iraq for the Real Madrid forward again, as well Dembele.

Netherlands full-back Denzel Dumfries had some joy down the right-hand side against Sweden, setting up two goals, and I believe Olise can have a similar impact on Tuesday.

With Betfred's new 'Sub Switch' feature, if your player gets substituted at any point in the match, your selection is switched to the next player!